Barge Gallery

Hell Gate Bridge In Queens Under Construction

The Hell Gate Bridge over a part of the East River called Hell Gate, which separates Astoria, Queens, from Ward's Island, during construction, mid 1910s. Construction began in 1914 and ended in 1916. The bridge, which is used exclusively by railroad traffic, is still considered one of the strongest in the world. (Photo by Frederic Lewis/Getty Images)

© 2006 Getty Images

NFS (London Region) narrow boat fitted with fire pumps

There were 18 river fire stations along the length of the River Thames during WW2. They were used to accommodate the crews on a 24 hour standby to operate the fireboats. In addition the three permanent London Fire Brigade fireboats, including the Massey Shaw, other fireboats and craft were brought into service. Here narrow boats (known locally in London as monkey boats) were equipped with trailer pumps in order to access, and provide water supplies from, the canals that ran north of the River Thames

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

GLC-LFB Fire boat - Fire Hawk

Entering service in February 1976, the Fire Hawk was built by Watercraft of Shoreham at a cost of £60, 000. Measuring 45 feet in length, 13.5 inch beam and with a 3.5 foot draft, she had a top speed of 17 knots. With a single fixed monitor forward, the twin portable pumps provided a pumping capacity of 1200 gpm (5400 litres per minute). The Fire Hawk was sold off in 2000

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library